Leicester v Southampton: Match preview and projected lineups

Leicester again look to get their Premier League campaign back on track this weekend as Southampton come marching in.

Claudio Ranieri’s side has looked a bit worse for ware in the Premier League so far this season as again they failed to bounce back last weekend against Manchester United.

However, their midweek resilient victory over Portuguese giants FC Porto at the King Power Stadium in their first even home UEFA Champions League match will put some fire in their bellies.

Late summer addition Islam Slimani has been the go to man for the Foxes since his arrival as Jamie Vardy has yet to really get himself off the mark this season.

Slimani was again the man of the hour against Porto as he scored the only goal on the night in Leicester’s march to the top of Group G.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 27: Islam Slimani of Leicester City celebrates as he scores their first goal during the UEFA Champions League Group G match between Leicester City FC and FC Porto at The King Power Stadium on September 27, 2016 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

LEICESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 27: Islam Slimani celebrates as he scores their first goal during the UEFA Champions League Group G match between Leicester City FC and FC Porto at The King Power Stadium. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

More from Analysis

Southampton have been on a roll in all competitions since their loss to Arsenal 20 days ago. In the time post their 2-1 loss, the Saints have won four across all competitions and finished off a draw in Israel on Thursday night with a much changed side.

In preparation for their travels to Leicester, Southampton saw several first team regulars rested with Charlie Austin, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Jose Fonte, Simon Davies, Cedric Soares, Ryan Bertrand and Dusan Tadic all out of the starting XI.

Despite the changes a strong draw against the Israeli side will give the Saints confidence heading into their Sunday fixture against the Foxes.

Charlie Austin has been on fire and he will be looked at as the primary threat for the hosts while the speed and creative spark from Tadic and James Ward-Prowse will be the key to the Saints success.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Charlie Austin of Southampton argues with teammate Dusan Tadic over who takes the penalty during the UEFA Europa League Group K match between Southampton FC and AC Sparta Praha at St Mary’s Stadium on September 15, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /

Ranieri has to figure out how to get Vardy and Riyad Mahrez both back to their free scoring selves from last season as they have been stifled on a regular basis all season thus far.

Danny Drinkwater remains the brightest spot for the champions this season as the 26-year-old central midfielder is coming into his own this season and has been the clubs player of the season so far.

It is certain to be a lively affair with two sides that love to play flowing counter attacking football and I look for it to be a great watch on Sunday.

Projected Starting XI’s

Leicester City (4-4-2): Schmeichel; Simpson, Morgan, Huth, Fuchs; Mahrez, Drinkwater, Amartey, Gray; Vardy, Slimani.

Southampton (4-3-1-2): Forster; Soares, Fonte, Dijk, Bertrand; Davis, Hojbjerg, Ward-Prowse; Tadic; Austin, Redmond.